In the wake of Brexit, we look at the 28 member states that are in the European Union.

And speaking in Brussels this week, he added he vote will still be held regardless of opposition from Madrid, which is likely to continue as Spain regards the Catalan movement as treason.

He said: “This year, the citizens of Catalonia will have the opportunity to finally decide on their future.

“We have maintained and continue to maintain that the referendum is legally viable.

“The problem consists in a lack of political will.”

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The move has been hugely opposed by the Spanish government

This year, the citizens of Catalonia will have the opportunity to finally decide on their future.

Catalonia President Carles Puigdemont

His speech is just the start of a Brussels charm offensive by the Catalan government, who have been open about their belief that European recognition is crucial if it is to succeed.

Foreign minister Raül Romeva told the conference: “Europe is a very dear idea to Catalans; we have always felt a part of it and we have seen it as a source of inspiration for our reality.

“Catalans are European citizens and Europe cannot be built without taking into account its citizens.”

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Raül Romeva said Europe was important to the Catalans

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Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy ruled out any plans for the referendum

However, they have been warned that leaving Spain also meant leaving the EU – with former prime minister David Cameron previously suggesting the government would face the laborious process of reapplying for membership as a separate state.

It is thought that EU support of the Catalonia independence bid could cause a huge rift with the government of Spain.

Yesterday Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy ruled out any plans for the referendum, describing it as not negotiable.

He added that the Catalan separatists “would do much better if they looked for that outstretched hand instead of continuing to embrace radicalism and being handcuffed by extremism.”